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Things to do in Bordeaux

Embrace history, shopping and of course, wine tasting on your extraordinary holiday. There are plenty of things to do in Bordeaux – why not pre-book one of our carefully selected experiences before you go.

For many, a trip to Bordeaux is all about wine-tasting and bathing, but there are plenty of other attractions to fascinate and captivate you. Neoclassical architecture and picturesque parks exist alongside the buzzing nightlife and entertainment. Hire a car to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace, enjoy a short drive to charming St Emilion or a longer journey to the glistening French Riviera.

Wine region activities

Enrol at the Maison du Vin de Bordeaux for an induction into the techniques and tasting of wine-making and fantastic chateau visits. See the thousand year old vineyards of St Emilion village, or enjoy a unique pampering experience at Spa de Vinotherapie Caudalie – take a red wine bath, a Merlot wrap or Cabernet body scrub.

Shopping

Stroll along the longest pedestrianised shopping street in Europe, Rue Ste-Catherine, which runs through the historic part of the city. Make a stop at Galerie Bordelaise, a 19th century shopping arcade which is located at the intersection of Rue de la Porte Dijeaux and Rue Ste-Catherine. Or for luxury shopping head to the Le triangle d’or.

Tourisme

Learn about 25,000 years of Bordeaux’s history at Musee d’Aquitane, where the artefacts include stone carvings, collection of Gallo Roman statues and ceramics. Visit Cathedrale St Andre, a UNESCO cultural heritage site that dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Or learn more about Bordeaux’s wine production at the Bordeaux Wine and Trade Museum.

Exciting Bordeaux experiences

Book your sightseeing before you go to save money and avoid disappointment.

Bordeaux’s vineyards are known as being some of the finest in the world, and their red wine is celebrated for its deep dark red colour and dry palate. A day-long sightseeing tour with SmoothRed Wine Tours will take you through the city and out into the rolling hills which house the famous vineyards. Explore Bordeaux’s wonderful history and heritage of winemaking. Visit the historic wine-merchant district of Les Chartrons, before indulging in an afternoon of tours and tastings on the right bank of the Gironde River. Stroll around the beautiful cobbled streets of Saint-Émilion, browse in shops and soak up the spectacular view from this UNESCO listed village. You can also take half-day tours in the area, either morning or afternoon.

Take a tour of Bordeaux with SmoothRed Tours to some of the best vineyards in the world, which are celebrated globally for delicious full-bodied red ‘clarets’ and crisp white wines. A day-long tour of the Medoc area (along the left bank of the Gironde River) and its famous chateaux will have you in awe of the region. After visiting the historic wine-merchant district of Les Chartrons, you will then head out to tour the regions award-winning vineyards and picturesque chateaux that dot the countryside. Learn about the winemaking process at three separate estates, before exploring the town of Pouillac. You can also take half-day tours in the area, either morning or afternoon.

Get a flavour of Bordeaux on this enlightening walking tour, perfect for first-time visitors to the city. Stroll along the Garonne River, stop at famous spots like the Place de la Bourse and Place de la Comédie along the way. Marvel at the Monument aux Girondins – a tribute to the martyrs who died during the French Revolution before admiring the stunning neo-classical façade of the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. Make your way to the pedestrianised heart of the historic centre on the Rue Sainte-Catherine – home to many shops, cafés and restaruants – which is considered one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe.

Combine two of Bordeaux’s most popular pastimes on this trip to Arcachon and the Médoc. First stop is the Bay of Arcachon and the Pyla Dune, Europe’s largest sand dune. Take an invigorating hike to the top for spectacular views, then make your way through charming seaside towns to the oyster farm – where you’ll sample a half dozen fresh oysters and a glass of wine. After lunch, you’ll visit the captivating vineyards of the Médoc region along the beautiful ‘Château Route’ – passing famous wine châteaux like Mouton-Rothschild, Latour or Margaux. Stop at several vineyards, learn about the fascinating process used for hundreds of years, and sample some delicious wine.

Bordeaux is a culinary delight, with superb local shops selling melt-in-your-mouth chocolates, delicious bread and cheese, and of course spectacular wine. This food tour traverses the city whilst offering up some gastronomic treats, sublime architecture and a fascinating history. Sample fresh-from-the-oven baguette from a local favourite bakery and chat with the baker. Next, visit one of the city’s most famous chocolatiers – where you will try secret recipe chocolate. Unique flavours include olive, green tea and ginger. Try some speciality French cheeses at a world-famous fromagerie, such as Brie, Comté and Roquefort from all over the country. Followed by a fantastic buffet of produce sampled throughout the day, and a few glasses of wonderful Bordeaux wine.